Tree down in Tompkins Square Park

Uh-oh. Goggla writes in to let us know that this tree just split a few minutes ago in Tompkins Square Park... thankfully, no one was injured...

Tacos Morelos now open on East Ninth Street

As we first reported back on June 24, food-cart favorite Tacos Moreles is opening a restaurant at the former Empanadas Bar on East Ninth Street ... One of our Facebook friends just let us know that they are now open as of today...

[Updated] 'Landlord Blues' tonight

Tonight at the MoRUS Film Fest...

"Landlord Blues" (1986) Directed by Jacob Burckhardt

This is a rare chance to see Landlord Blues on 16mm, as well as to see Jacob Burckhardt introduce the film in person.

The plot:

Sometimes in a modern city it's easier to beat a murder rap than it is to get a new lease. George (Mark Boone Junior) is trying to hold on to his modest bike shop despite the efforts of his slum landlord, Albert Streck (Richard Litt), to terminate his lease on a technicality and evict him. When Streck turns nasty, hiring first a lawyer and then even an arsonist, George turns to his friends, a street-wise crew of Lower East Side loyalists, for help in beating Streck at his own game.

The movie runs 90 minutes. Doors open at 7:30 pm at Orchard Alley, on the south side of 4th Street close to Avenue D. $5 (suggested) at the door. Show up early for a good seat (or feel free to bring your own seat or blanket). Refreshments will be served.

Find more details on the Film Fest here. Check the site for a change in venue in case of rain.

Updated:

The film will be shown at MoRUS, 155 Avenue C between East Ninth Street and East 10th Street...

Today in photos of unlocked, possibly abandoned Citi Bikes

A reader says that this unlocked Citi Bike has been parked here along East Eighth Street all morning... Maybe it's a trap?

The 'senseless shocking self-destruction' of Mary Help of Christians

The photos and illustration are courtesy of Anton van Dalen

Dear neighborhood friends,

Made this drawing today and yesterday, also took the photos.

It's about a church that since 1917 has been an important integral part of our immediate neighborhood and community.

I, as so many of my neighbors, looked on in disbelief through a crack in the forbidding veil covered sidewalk fence.

We tried to comprehend, as the wrecking appeared done surreptitiously, this senseless shocking self-destruction.

And the complete betrayal of a family oriented community and a history that has endeared me since 1971.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Permits filed to demolish Mary Help of Christians church, school and rectory

Preservationists call for archeological review of former cemetery at Mary Help of Christians site

Scaffolding arrives for demolition of Mary Help of Christians

Reader report: Odessa Cafe and Bar will remain open through Sept. 6

[Michael Sean Edwards]

Reliable sources pass along word that the Odessa Cafe and Bar at 117 Avenue A will now remain open through Sept. 6. The Odessa was originally set to close after service this coming Tuesday night ... and eventually become a "a full-service American brasserie restaurant," according to CB3 records.

The closure of Odessa Cafe and Bar will not impact the newer Odessa next door at 119 Avenue A, though we hear that the restaurant will have more of a bar scene later at night.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Building that houses Odessa Cafe and Bar for sale on Avenue A

Is the end nearing for Odessa Cafe and Bar on Avenue A?

Former GM from Tribeca's Tiny's & the Bar Upstairs part of team to buy the Odessa Cafe

Reader report: Odessa Cafe closes for good after Aug. 15

Owners of I Cipressi take to the streets to find investors

The above sign has been hanging in the window at I Cipressi. The Italian restaurant, in the works since last fall at 189 Avenue A, is from the folks who ran I Coppi on East Ninth Street.

The sign mentions problems with opening and points people to Facebook to learn more.

This letter via Facebook is dated July 24. It's slightly edited for length.

Dear Everybody,

This is the story of two sisters from Tuscany, two restaurants and Hurricane Sandy.

My name is Lorella. I owned a restaurant on east 9th st. named I Coppi for fourteen years ... I had to close I Coppi in September 2012 after a series of unfortunate episodes, mostly a very ugly divorce.

My sister, Maristella, owns a restaurant called Matilda on east 11th st. — open since 2007. Together we decided to open a new restaurant. We got a great space on a great location, Avenue A between east 11th and east 12th. We were doing fine working at it slowly but effectively. Friends and family helped us as well investing some money. But then Sandy came. …..

Matilda restaurant is situated between Ave B and Ave C, one block from the con ed station that exploded ... The restaurant got flooded. She lost almost everything. We had no electricity or hot water like the rest of the families living across from us and around us. It was a war zone. It was wonderful as well because the people in the neighborhood got together and we all worked to help each other with food, carrying all the destroyed furniture outside on the sidewalk and mostly trying emptying the basements from water.

To make a long story short we were closed for more than a month but the bills kept on coming. Not the landlord nor Con Edison gave us a break. We filled up all kind of relief papers but did not get a penny, not from FEMA, not from anybody.

My sister had to get a job to keep her restaurant open while I take care of it, her daughter and my son. The moral of this very long story is that we are about to lose our new location, which is crucial to the future of our kids...

Sincerely, Lorella and Maristella Innocenti Da Vinci

Meanwhile, these signs are up now around the neighborhood ...


[Photo by William Klayman]

They are looking for investors to help them get the restaurant on Avenue A open...


[Via Facebook]

From a follow-up email to us:

The space needs an exhaust system and I found a company that gave me a great deal. I own most of the equipment (hood , dishwashing machine, dough mixer, pasta machine, lowboys refrigerators, steel tables, steel slicers). I have all the custom made wooden tables and wooden Napoleon chairs, lots of beautiful ceramic and terracotta decorations from Tuscany, which I brought myself from Florence where my family lives.

And.

I do not need an impossible amount of money and it will be an investment. I do not want anything for free. I know I have to work very hard and I always did.

By the way, I have the same chef that I had at I Coppi, in addition a French pastry-bread chef, Daniel, who is amazing. We are going to have breakfast with all type of goodies, fresh baguettes sandwiches, cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, fresh squeezed juices. I cannot wait to start ... This is going to be an investment and a lot of fun.

And now, gas station kitty

Oh, yes. Happy August Friday! Spotted over at the BP Station on Second Avenue and East First Street...



This cat's a real gas, you know.

Now, equal time, featuring Kita the Wonder Dog of East 10th Street

To ward off any "claims" of kitty bias this morning.

Breaking: Free cake, sandwiches at Rite Aid's grand reopening

The Rite Aid grand re-opening party is in FULL swing now on First Avenue and East Fifth Street.

Per a reader lured in by the Balloon Arc (trellis?):

Grand opening cake and sandwiches at rite aid! Lots of "new associate" nametags and as reported by earlier commenters, smiles and thank-yous.

Noted

EVG contributor Derek Berg spotted this sign on Fourth Avenue near East Ninth Street this afternoon ... not sure if this is legit ... or some kind of wacky viral marketing campaign or what not... In any event, did you catch the part about the "roach poison in Hennessey"?

[Updated] Today in lines for restaurants that may or may not be opening tonight

A reader notes that the line for Blue Ribbon Chicken Fried Chicken on East First Street and Second Avenue is currently wrapped around the corner... the restaurant isn't officially ready for business yet, but it is rumored to be opening tonight maybe for service.

Per another reader who stopped by at lunchtime:

We pressed our faces against the window and watched the staff eat lunch, and talked to a staffer outside eating a delicious looking sandwich. He told us it may open for dinner tonight, but he's not sure. HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW?!

Updated 9:03

Still a line around 8:20... several readers say that everything is free on the menu tonight...


[Photo by Carmen, aka, Tommy Sharkskin, aka aka Tompkins Square Shark]

Updated 11:26 am
Robert Sietsema offers his take on the food here at Eater.